Recommendations?

[Rippinlip]

Here is my delima, I have 3 young daughters that have come of the age to start pursuing animals with thier dad(me).
I was wondering what all of you think of a shotgun that would be a good first purchase. I have been to several different locations and been hearing alot of different things. We are looking for a weapon that can be used for upland game, waterfowl, and possibly throwing a slug or two.
We have looked at a Remington 870, Beretta automatic(not sure the make) and a couple of no-name models. All youth models of course. Would really like to stay with a 20 guage, is that enough for ducks and geese?

Thanks in advance for any advice...

[Roop-Dogg]

Rippinlip--

i had 2 boys both get their first ducks, pheasants and deer with a winchester 1300 ranger. youth model, 20 guage--chambered for 2-3/4 and 3". worked for them--no problems with it. brings back lots of memories. thanks!!!

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Roop

[Guest]

I think what my father did for me was great. You see the 870 youth model comes with too short a barrel and isn't much smaller then the regular 20ga. By going with the regular 20ga it gives them something to grow into and still drops birds a long way out. My dad bought me a 870 Magnum 20ga with the 28 inch barrel. I have taken deer, pheasant, grouse, ducks, geese, and snowshoe with it. Also a great gun for shooting skeet and trap. Hope this helps!

[Duck-o-holic]

Rippinlip--

Like Roop's lucky boys, my first pump gun was a Winchester 1300! It wasn't the first shotugun I shot however, nor the second, or third. My first duck gun was a .410 / .22 over-under... back in the pre-steel days. Even had rifle "iron sights" on top... LOL!!! I still remember trying to pull geese down at Lac Qui Parle with that one!

Went up to a H&R single 3" 20 gauge after that, and then a lever-action single 20 after that. Now that was a funny looking gun! With 3 girls, I would really consider getting at least one single shot for a starter. Of the above mentioned guns, the H&R was the best. The oldest could pass that one down to the next in line, and graduate to a pump. A 20 guage is more than enough gun for any starter-- I have a couple of friends who prefer them in many situations, and have shot well right alongside of 12's!

As for model/make, I would hate to steer you away from Winchester, but a few years back, I bought a Remington 20 guage 3" Youth model for my girlfriend. To me this was the PERFECT starter for any small framed shooter! It has a much shorter stock, shorter barrel, includes a recoil pad, and is lighter than a standard model. Many people have the misconception that a shorter barrel equals less power or altered down-range pattern. This is not true to any significance-- it is merely a shorter sighting plane which can be advantageous in certain situations! Firstchoice has a great point with being able to grow into a gun. I think the youth model is a perfect gun for a female to grow into though. That is why I chose to buy one for my 27 year old girlfriend.

Just my $.02!! Good luck with it. I would definitely recommend a pump over an auto for any beginners!!

Good Gunnin'

Duck-o-holic

[Guest]

Go with a 20 guage auto gas operated youth model if you are worried about recoil. My cousin shoots one and she has taken down sharpies, ruff, ducks, and geese with it. I think she has the beretta silver mallard or silver pintail or something. Its got firepower, with little kick. She likes it a lot. I would recommend this gun. I started with the Remington 870 20 gauge youth model. And that gun is another good one!

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If I'm not in the duck blind or the ice house I'm thinking about it!!......maybe thats why I can't pay attention in class!

[GullGuide]

I would stay away from an auto if they are just starting out for safty factors. By using a pump, it forces the shooter to think a little more before they pull the trigger.
As far as the guage, go with a 20, but if they are a little older, try a 16. 16's do not kick much more than a 20 and it will give them a gun they can shoot the rest of their lives, not that they couldn't with a 20, but it will give a little more umph. My wife shoots a 16 Rem 870 pump and loves it.

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>"////=<
Gull Guide Service
fishingminnesota.com/gullguide
Brainerd-Mille Lacs-Willmar
Bemidji-Ottertail

[This message has been edited by GullGuide (edited 02-24-2002).]

[Guest]

If you were to get an auto I would very highly recommend that you load with one shell at a time becasue this teaches them not to rush thier first shot, and concentrate more on hitting the target with thier first shot.

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If I'm not in the duck blind or the ice house I'm thinking about it!!......maybe thats why I can't pay attention in class!